Katie Thurston revealed she was raped in a post shared on Instagram on Friday, and despite claiming the justice system has “failed” her, she still “refuses to feel defeated.”
The television personality, 33, who appeared on season 17 of The Bachelorette, opened up to her followers by taking to her Instagram Stories in a message that no longer exists.
“It took 7 months for the San Diego Justice Department to let me down as a rape victim,” the reality star wrote.
Thurston also took to her home page to share a carousel of slides as she opened up to her fans while also offering important resources to other people and victims in need.
The first photo began like this: ‘The justice system continues to fail victims every day. I refuse to feel defeated in the strength it took to fight back.’
Katie Thurston, 33, revealed she was raped in a post shared on Instagram on Friday and despite claiming the justice system has ‘failed’ her, she still ‘refuses to feel defeated’; seen in 2021
Thurston also took to her home page to share a carousel of slides as she opened up to her fans while also offering important resources to other people and victims in need.
He continued, “I hope my experience helps you feel the strength and support you need.” While I’m not ready to share my story, I want to share the valuable resources that saved my life.’
After the sexual assault, Katie explained that she called 911 to report the rape and then took a SART test.
The star gave a special shout-out to both the nurse and the advocate at her side, saying, “They were kind, loving and patient.”
“I felt like a lost, vulnerable and scared little girl,” she admitted. “The process was thoroughly explained to me, I was asked for consent along the way and I was allowed to decline or change my mind at any time.”
Thurston expressed that she prioritized her “safety and well-being” and also sought “mental health support” while waiting for the SART test to be processed.
On another slide, Katie wrote: “I did everything I should have done as a rape victim. Here are my texts, my calls, my photos, my videos, names, witnesses, locations, social media, timestamps, surveillance footage, DNA, my body.”
‘The warning “a guilty verdict is harsh in criminal court” echoed over the months, like an annoying parrot you were forced to keep.’
Thurston continued: ‘And as much as I listened to it, I still wasn’t ready to be stopped. And yet, without warning, I was.
The first photo began: “The justice system continues to fail victims every day.” I refuse to feel defeated in the strength it took to fight back.
The star gave a special shout-out to both the nurse and the advocate standing by her side, saying: “They were kind, caring and patient.”
Thurston said she prioritized her “safety and well-being” and also sought “mental health support” while waiting for the SART exam to be processed.
On another slide, Katie wrote: “I did everything I should have done as a rape victim. Here are my texts, my calls, my photos, my videos, names, witnesses, locations, social media, timestamps, images surveillance, DNA, my body.
However, the media personality wrote to her followers: ‘This is not a loss for me. I am safe. I am loved, I am supported
However, the media personality wrote to her followers: ‘This is not a loss for me. I am safe. They love me, they support me.’
“No, this is yet another loss in a system that doesn’t work. Change comes when there is failure. And the justice system failed me and continues to fail thousands of people every day. But don’t give up.”
Another slide in the post read: “Be your own biggest advocate. You are valuable. You are strong. I believe in you.”
Katie also recommended the memoir Know My Name, written by Chanel Miller, explaining, “While I could only consume it in small doses at a time before nausea hit, I also felt validation with each and every chapter.”
‘Every teenager should be forced to read or listen to it. I was able to ask better questions to the detectives.
“I will always appreciate the transparency and communication he provided me every step of the way,” Thurston added.
In the caption alongside the sides, Katie wrote, “I’m loved. I’m safe. I have support. Resources linked in bio. #saasaultawareness #rainn #sandiego.”
She also expressed her gratitude to those who reached out to her, writing, “I want to thank everyone who sent me private messages. I spent the day offline and with my loved ones. .”
Another slide in the post read: “Be your biggest advocate. You are valuable. You are strong. I believe in you.”
Katie also recommended the memoir Know My Name by Chanel Miller, explaining, “While I could only consume it in small doses at a time before nausea set in, I also felt validation in each and every chapter.”
In the caption alongside the sidebar, Katie wrote: “I am loved. I am safe. I have support. Resources linked in bio. #saasaultawareness #rainn #sandiego.”
She also expressed her gratitude to those who reached out to her and wrote: ‘I want to thank everyone who texted me. I spent the day disconnected and with my loved ones. ‘
Social media users took to the post to offer words of support for the Thurstons, with one sharing: “Katie, I’m so sorry this happened and that justice failed you.”
“You are so loved and supported. Thank you for sharing to help others not feel so alone.”
Another added: “Sending you lots of love,” while another expressed: “From one survivor to another, thank you for standing up for us.”
Thurston also shared a statement to Entertainment tonight after revealing that she had been sexually assaulted.
“I’ve had ample support from my community, which has allowed me to stay strong these past seven months,” the reality star said.
“While the outcome is disappointing, I am at peace and turning any pain into purpose and looking forward to helping other survivors of sexual assault.”
Katie first appeared on season 25 of The Bachelor, but was eliminated in week six.
“I have had tremendous support from my community, which has allowed me to stay strong over these past seven months,” the reality star said.
She then starred on The Bachelorette, which aired in 2021, and got engaged to winner Blake Moynes. However, the couple split in October 2021; the former couple is seen above
The TV personality is now dating comedian Jeff Arcuri, and she revealed his identity on her Instagram page earlier this month.
She then starred on The Bachelorette, which aired in 2021, and got engaged to winner Blake Moynes. However, the couple split in October 2021.
Thurston later began dating Jake Hersey, who was a contestant during her Bachelorette season. In June 2022, the two ended their relationship.
The TV personality is now dating comedian Jeff Arcuri, and revealed her identity on her Instagram page earlier this month.
She uploaded a love-filled snap of them sharing a sweet kiss in front of the camera, as well as black-and-white photos from a photo booth.
In the caption of the post, Katie wrote to her 710,000 followers: “Safe to say it’s coming to your hometowns next week .”
In May, in Your mom and dad podcastThurston had confirmed that she was in a relationship, according to Us weeklybut he did not reveal his partner’s name at the time.